SPAN408V

This course will explore the 18th century from the periphery of traditionally studied centers of Enlightenment. By focusing on pre-independence Mexico, we will study the emergence of alternative scientific and religious discourses in an American context that leads to social and political changes at the onset of the 19th-century. Students will watch the Mexican telenovela Alborada (2005-6), which fictionally explores many ofthe topics that are relevant for the course,and read a variety of materials on the following subtopics: imperial designs, cultural production, inquisitional realities, medical discourse, individual and political rights, criollo consciousness, etc. Taught in Spanish.